dishwasher wont stop filling

hi,
I wondered if anyone could help with my old indesit dishwasher, model d3000 wg-i. it was very cheap so i'm having a go at fixing it myself.
the problem started when the outlet hose snapped in half. i got a replacement one from my local wickes, and to install it i had to put the dishwasher on its side, i dont know if this caused the problem, but i'm presuming so. now when i turn it on, the water just keeps filling and eventually pours from the bottom of the door. if i manually turn the program dial it stops, and i can get it to drain. at first i thought the program dial was not moving itself, but this is not the case. it seems as if the water level shutoff mechanism is not working. my question is what type water level sensing mechanism do dishwashers use and where would i find it in the machine? is it likely that it could just need cleaning or resetting? i'm hoping so as i dont want to spend more than its worth (very little!)

thanks,
Andy

 

Look inside at the bottom, probably near a corner, for a float valve. May look like an inverted cup. Check to see that it is not binding. As you lift it and let it settle back, you may be able to hear the micro switch click. Also, check to see that no wires were pulled from the switch and that it works.
If the float works and the switch is good, then check the water shutoff solenoid.

 

hmm, can't seem to see anything like that. all i can seem to see is the salt or rinse aid container ( whatever goes in there ) with a sponge filter on the side, the reservoir where the water is pumped to the top of the machine, and the outlet reservoir. i can also see what looks like a small air pump or sensor with thin clear tubes attached. i say air because the lines going to it look like the type of tubing used in aquariums for the air stone. these tubes have remnants of water in though. any idea what this component could be?